Sleaze Invades Judicial Races

May 19, 1991|The Morning Call

There was hope that the tone of campaigning for judgeships would be raised once candidates were freed to be more forthcoming on the issues. But noooo. Consider these developments in Lehigh County, where seven candidates are seeking three seats on the Court of Common Pleas.

*A group called Citizens for Fred Charles is circulating a flier urging voters to "elect two new Republican judges," and describing Mr. Charles as "The Republican Choice." This is misplaced partisanship in a race for an office providing a non-political public service. Mr. Charles should disown the brochure as an insult to the public's intelligence.

*A campaign brochure for Thomas Wallitsch contained "resume padding" that made it appear he graduated with academic honors from college and law school, which he didn't. Mr. Wallitsch's resume is impressive without any truth-bending, so he doesn't need this. He has time to apologize for any inaccurate impressions the brochure may have left.

*Candidate John Zettlemoyer distributed copies of a photocopied flier attacking Mr. Wallitsch's actions while head of the public defender's office 10 years ago. The flier was mailed anonymously to many Lehigh County voters. By calling attention to it, Mr. Zettlemoyer raises the question of whether the mailing was on his behest. Such sleazy tactics have no place in any political campaign. Mr. Zettlemoyer also should apologize.